Three common and important topics in automation.
You may find that the order will change but there are three topics that effect most automation decisions and I want to touch on them here. Small shop are huge facility these things tend to be a common thread with everyone.
Time, this is a general point and it can mean different things based on the exact situation. It could be the amount of time needed to get a given thing up and running. It could be that there is a lot going on and you don't have the free time to work through the process. It could be its the busy time of year or even the slow time of year.
Time is often not your friend. If not now then when? When more people quit or retire? Tomorrow, next week, next year? Problems do not often solve themselves and everyday brings the potential for new or compounded issues. You may solve the issue of today but what will tomorrow bring? There is rarely that quiet period where you have an excess of time to focus on a single topic. Its like people telling themselves they will start the gym on January 1st. Well its right after the holidays and I have a lot to do so I will start next month for sure. A new reason will just keep coming to the surface until you make the firm commitment to take action and follow through. Every journey starts with the first step and that is what is the hardest.
Value, will I get the desired result for what I put in? The value point is honest human nature as we all tend to be skeptical of new things and people. Value is not cost but rather what you will have or end up with at the end of the process. If you do thing "A" will I get my desired result "B"?
The value point is just sound thinking. If you give your credit card information to the Nigerian Prince that sent you a Facebook message you are in a poor value proposition. You are not likely to receive any value for what you put in. You partner with a good source for automation and are upfront with your needs and desired result the value proposition is in your favor. Those two points are where it tends to go wrong and expose you to a poor value proposition. If you are not clear on your needs and desired results how can you get where you need to go? If your partner is just a "yes" man who is not willing to be honest and open even if it hurts the value proposition suffers. Put clear and complete information in with a good partner and the value is there.
Cost, this is not just the dollar amount but many things. Will it require more staff? Will I need to find and hire special people to work with the new process or equipment? What is the current situation and its impact on the company? Are sales or production suffering? Turn over, part rejections, rework, over time and more the list can be endless.
Cost is never as straight forward as you would think. If a person offered to sell you a $500,000 home for $20,000 but you have $100 in the bank you would very likely find a way. In that situation the value is clear and straight forward. You put in $20,000 and end up with a $500,000 house. This is why value is so important to the decision process. If a given solution presents a good value proposition where you get your desired result what is it worth? You have already established that its a good value proposition or you would not have arrived at the point of costs as that should be the last step. How can someone quote you something before all the details are fleshed out? Did you do tests on your products? Did you go and see the tests done? Were you happy with the results? Or did someone offer to get you a quote while doing none of those things? If every thing has gone as it should with a good partner you are in a position where there is a solid value proposition. If they just threw a quote at you the value proposition is not there. With a sound value the question is how do we get this thing that produces our desired result. It could be terms, financing or many other options but first you need a solid value proposition. Like with the $500,000 house, if the value is present the question changes to how do I make this work? Cost is rarely just about a number.
These tend to be common conversation points no matter the company size. To a large degree its just human nature and what we all do even if we do not see it. A solid value should be the target as it is the foundation all else will sit on. Be clear and honest about your needs and desired results. Work with a good partner, one willing to push back or give you the hard truths. If you do those things you are on a path to a solid value proposition. If there is not a solid value then you are not likely to get your desired result and all other points become irrelevant anyway. Who cares what it costs if it wont work? That's a poor value proposition and you would not do that anyway.
If you have questions please feel free to reach out.